Siheyuan: the traditional Chinese courtyard house Flashcards

1
Q

What is a Siheyuan?

A

A type of courtyard architecture in Beijing, in which the courtyard is surrounded by buildings on all four sides

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2
Q

What is a hutong?

A

Beijing name for ‘laneway’, that runs on an east-west axis, used for pedestrians

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3
Q

Characteristics of the siheyuan

A
  • Orthogonal planning - surrounded by other buildings on all four sides
  • Exterior - decorated in red, green, grey
    • Designed for privacy
  • Interior
    • Extensive use of screens - transition from public to private
    • Very open, ‘soft’
    • Inner gate decorated with lotus flower
  • Several zones of privacy - four courtyards
  • Transeasonal space - winter + summer bedroom
  • Layout accords with social values + family dynamic
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